US gymnast falls off the high bar during a crucial routine, spoils big comeback attempt during gymnastics final

US gymnast Danell Leyva had a brutal fall during his high-bar routine in the men's gymnastics final.

With the US mounting a comeback, though still unlikely to medal, Leyva was in the midst of a strong routine when, on a release, he lost his grip and fell to the ground.

It essentially ended the US men's bid, no matter how far-fetched, at a medal.

Here's Leyva, falling after he couldn't fully grip the bar:

Via NBC

It was a brutal moment for him. After falling, he stayed on the ground for several moments:

Via NBC

He walked off the mat, gutted:

Via NBC

The moment made it all the more difficult for Leyva. After a slow start, the US had posted eight straight scores of 15 or better, according to USA Today's Nick McCarvel. Though a medal was a long shot, the US certainly wouldn't have objected to a better overall finish, and had Leyva finished his routine strong, then the US might have had a shot with a little help from another team.